Our People

Dave Breeden, Winemaker

With experience developed in wineries throughout the Finger Lakes, Dave can always be found in our winery or lab, gently and patiently tending to the fermentation and aging of our wines while caring for our tanks, barrels and equipment. Armed with two degrees in chemistry and two in philosophy, Dave not only brings us expertise in the wine lab and on the crush pad, he also can be heard waxing poetic virtues of everything from Plato’s cave to contemporary third-party politics.

Kimberly White, Assistant Winemaker

Born and raised in Long Island, Kim became passionate about the Finger Lakes while attending Hobart and William Smith Colleges. There she double majored in biochemistry and English literature. After working in the cellar at Swedish Hill, she completed her Masters of Science in wine microbiology, as well as her WSET 3 Certificate. She then traveled to Bordeaux to work vintage, worked wine sales in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and ultimately was drawn back to the Finger Lakes, joining the Sheldrake team for harvest in 2015. She assumed the role of Assistant Winemaker in January of 2017.

Dave Weimann, Vineyard Manager

David’s background includes four years of grapevine management at Cornell’s Geneva Agricultural Experiment Station and two years of honeybee research in Ithaca. Since 1999, his love of our vineyard is second only to that for his own farm across the lake. Dave and his vineyard crew take great pride tending the 44 acres of vines at Sheldrake Point Vineyard, maintaining the equipment, and planning and preparing for new acreage.

Jose Aguilera, Assistant Vineyard Manager

Born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico, Jose has worked in the vineyards at Sheldrake Point since 2012 where he also assists with the operation and maintenance of our tractors and field equipment. Fluent in Spanish and English, Jose is an important link with our other vineyard workers, many who also hail from Mexico.

Christine Maguire, Tasting Room Manager

Born and raised in Upstate New York, it took Christine leaving the state for her university studies to truly appreciate the singular beauty of the Finger Lakes. She comes to Sheldrake Point after five years at the New York Wine and Culinary Center, during which she was able to direct her passion for food & wine into a career in the hospitality industry. Additionally, while there she earned her Level 2 Certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and joined the board of the Finger Lakes Chapter of Women for WineSense. She is excited to share her love of Finger Lakes wine with guests of the Sheldrake Point Tasting Room.

Kyle Anne Pallischeck, Marketing and Sales Manager

A Finger Lakes native, Kyle brings longtime Finger Lakes winery experience to Sheldrake Point. After over five years combined at both Fox Run Vineyards and the Seneca Lake Winery Association, Kyle joined Sheldrake Point in March, 2016. She has earned degrees in Hospitality Management and Interior Design, as well as her Sommelier Certification via the Court of Master Sommeliers, and holds the WSET 2 Certificate. She was a founding board member of the Finger Lakes Chapter of Women for WineSense, and teaches wine education classes at the New York Wine and Culinary Center.

Whitney Elrod, Wine Club Manager

Born and raised in the Finger Lakes, Whitney has always been passionate about the region. She attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where she earned her degree in English and Education. After a tasting room position at a local winery, she traveled to California, New Zealand, and Washington State to work harvest and gain production experience, returning in early 2015 to join the Sheldrake Point team.

Lisa Morton, Business Manager

With significant experience in finance and operations in the food and wine industries, Lisa provides the true glue that holds this place together – just ask anyone here at Sheldrake Point! Behind that smile is an acute accommodation for accuracy, a knowledgeable knack for numbers, and a spry spontaneous spirit that keeps everybody on their toes.

Chuck Tauck and Fran Littin, Owners

Chuck was attracted to the Finger Lakes wine industry during his graduate work at the Cornell Hotel School and was instrumental in the transformation of the old abandoned dairy farm to today’s winery and vineyard. As principle owners, he and his wife Fran assume the risk of the venture and personally see to its priorities and requirements. Chuck’s focus is on the management and company systems and processes. When not in the office, he and Fran may also be working with the staff, doing repairs, tending the gardens, or chatting with visitors.